Issue-based workshops are courses which offer hands-on activities for the professional development of specific knowledge and skills. Seminars are another issue-based type of course type that allow the participants to have short discussions pertaining to professional or academic issues and problems. A seminar starts out with a short presentation, then breaks the participants into smaller groups to discuss the material that was presented. Enough time should be allotted to discuss the all of the materials.
Teachers can take study courses and distance learning courses, which are certification-based classes set up by colleges and universities, during the summer when school is out. Teachers can also alternate their normal workload and attend during short periods of time off; study courses allow teachers time off to complete a class. Distance learning allows teachers to complete a course from outside their area online.
There are two types of institution-based INSET for teachers: one is in-college activities and meetings and the other involves conferences. In-college meetings allow for the exchange of ideas and experiences between the teachers and college faculty aimed at improving teaching quality. Conferences, which may be local or out-of-state, give teachers the opportunity to explore the innovative practices of other teachers, share problems and be exposed to new ideas.
School-based INSET involves a teacher staying in their own school and observing other classes and teachers. The teacher is either excused from one period during the day to make these observations or can do this while he isn't teaching. This allows the teacher to see his peers and colleagues in action in different class settings to encourages him to look broadly at himself as a teacher -- not just a teacher of a specific subject or grade.
Peer group INSET courses allow teachers of similar subjects or age ranges the ability to meet with one another to discuss issues, share success stories and create and exchange learning materials. Visits to other offsite schools to meet with other teachers can last an entire day or just a few hours.